Speculation out of Texas is there are some questions about the health of third base prospect Mike Olt, who suffered a concussion in the Dominican Republic Winter League and is struggling at Triple-A Round Rock.

Manager Dale Sveum said there was “not a whole lot going on,” in terms of trade possibilities right now.

“Last year we obviously had four or five pieces of the puzzle taken in a few days,” he said. “Don’t see that kind of thing happening. But on the other end, guys get used to it and understand the process (and think) 'I’ve got to take care of my own business and that’s the way the game works.’”

Ken Rosenthal said on the Fox pregame show that the A’s were trying to get in the Garza sweepstakes.

Runs from walk: Saturday's loss turned when Villanueva walked Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio on a 3-2 slider in a 1-1 tie with two outs in the fourth, before Dexter Fowler's two-run triple gave the Rockies the lead. They added four runs in the fifth to knock Villanueva out.

“It's not coming from the dugout,” Sveum said of the pitch selection. “… It was all set up just to get the pitcher out and it was smooth sailing until then. Obviously then the floodgates opened.”

Villanueva said he didn't regret the 3-2 slider.

“I trust in what I can do,” he said. “It'll be second guessed a lot, but I'm not second guessing myself.”

Closing time: Sveum said last month that Blake Parker could replace Kevin Gregg when the closer is dealt. But Saturday he pointed to newly acquired Pedro Strop, who came into Saturday with eight straight scoreless appearances since joining the Cubs from the Orioles.

“Obviously, he’s one of the higher candidates because he has pitched in high profile games already in the big leagues,” Sveum said. “He has the stuff, the velocity, the wipeout slider.

“Those are the kind of guys you want out there. He’s not scared and he has a good time on the mound. It’s just a nice asset.”

Taking it easy: Jeff Samardzija looked like he was in a foot race with a loafing Alex Rios on a seventh inning ground ball to short on Friday, but Sveum didn’t mind the fact he wasn’t hustling.

“I really don’t want any of (the pitchers) to exert themselves,” Sveum said. “ History is just not very good for pitchers who have been on the bases and exerted themselves running. Their heart rate just gets to another level to have to go out to the mound.”

psullivan@tribune.com

Speculation out of Texas is there are some questions about the health of third base prospect Mike Olt, who suffered a concussion in the Dominican Republic Winter League and is struggling at Triple-A Round Rock.